Seeing as how Charlotte is kinda my second home, I am gonna second Tickledpink... Matthews is the bomb. It is a nice little suburb with a sort of bigger city feel (if that makes any sense at all, lol.) There is only one complaint I have about Charlotte (I really love it), and that is Independence Blvd.
My favorite spot in Matthews is that little center where there is a Sams Club, Media Play and lots of restaurants all in one spot (can't remember what it's called). What more could you ask for? Only thing is they used to have this bomb little emporium with designer fragrances and hair care products for next to nothing. Last time I went, it wasn't there anymore.
Tickledpink, do you know what that little center is called?